herb

herb · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A plant with leaves, seeds, or flowers used for flavoring food, in medicine, or for its scent.

  2. 2.

    (botany) Any seed-bearing plant that does not have a woody stem and dies down to the ground after flowering.

  3. 3.

    (slang) Marijuana.

Forms

plural: herbs

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    herb garden — a garden dedicated to growing culinary or medicinal herbs
  • •
    fresh herbs — herbs that have not been dried
  • •
    medicinal herbs — plants used for their healing properties

Related words

See also: botanical, herbal, plant, spice
Synonyms: botanical, plant, seasoning

Etymology

From Old French erbe, from Latin herba ("grass, herb, herbage"). The initial 'h' was restored in English spelling in the 15th century, but American English typically retains the silent 'h' in pronunciation.